Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport

Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport VMR Southport’s Base is conveniently located to allow a rapid response to any emergency in the marine environment.
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Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport – Surfers Paradise ( VMR Southport ) was originally formed as Southport – Surfers Paradise Air Sea Rescue over 52 years ago. The initial aim of this enthusiastic group was to assist boat owners and fishermen in crossing the notorious Southport Bar. Based on the Southport Spit, overlooking the Southport Broadwater, and with the Gold Coast Seaway just around the cor

ner, VMR Southport's Base is conveniently located to allow a rapid response to any emergency in the marine environment. The safety of life, and the preservation of property at sea are the main goals of this highly trained volunteer community service Organisation. With modern 21st century skills, facilities, and state of the art equipment, VMR Southport is proud to be a leader in providing exceptional marine rescue services. In 2020 VMR Southport performed more than 860 marine rescue activations, and over 500 training runs, with 135 volunteer members contributing in excess of 75,000 unpaid man hours. With 4 modern, fully equipped, specialised Rescue vessels, operated by highly trained crew, VMR Southport offers a membership that is a must-have cover for everyone, offering peace of mind and security whilst on the water. Check out the Membership Benefits page and sign up today. We rely on our communities generosity to provide an ongoing professional service to the users of the Gold Coast's waterways. If you would like to become an Associate or Active member, please download the Membership Application form from www.vmrsouthport.com.au

A very special evening last night, one of the last in the VMR Southport uniform, for Skipper and Search and Rescue Contr...
27/08/2026

A very special evening last night, one of the last in the VMR Southport uniform, for Skipper and Search and Rescue Controller Bruce Partridge, who was awared a Central Gold Coast Volunteer Award, by the Moncrieff Federal MP Angie Bell.
Bruce has been with VMR Southport since 2019, and in that time has been involved in many and varied rescues, and is a very competent operator of Rescue vessels.
Bruce is also currently a member of the VMR Southport Management Committee.
We thank Angie for presenting this award to Bruce, as he is extremely deserving, and his contribution to this Organisation has been very committed.
Well done Bruce.

As the first weekend as Marine Rescue Qld Southport East comes to a close, we say goodbye to the end of an era and welco...
23/08/2026

As the first weekend as Marine Rescue Qld Southport East comes to a close, we say goodbye to the end of an era and welcome in the new.
Your trusty crew are still the same and we are still available for assistance 24/7.
We can be reached on VHF CH 73 or by calling (07) 5591 1300.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and have a good week ahead.

Good morning, GC boaties, Happy Sunday from White crew.
15/08/2026

Good morning, GC boaties, Happy Sunday from White crew.

A beautiful start for the final day of The Pacific Airshow this weekend, and with thousands of people expected on the Go...
15/08/2026

A beautiful start for the final day of The Pacific Airshow this weekend, and with thousands of people expected on the Gold Coast waterways, we’re asking all boaties to take extra care and plan ahead.
PLEASE BE AWARE WEATHER and SEA CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO CHANGE throughout the day.
🚫 DO NOT ENTER THE AIRBOX
All vessels must remain outside the marked exclusion/airbox area at all times. Please follow all signage, exclusion zones and directions from authorities on the water.
📻 Marine Rescue Southport will be monitoring VHF Channel 73 & 16 throughout the weekend.
📞 Need a marine assist?
For any marine assists over the weekend, contact VMR Southport on 07 5591 1300.
🚤 To help manage the expected increase in workload, Marine Rescue Southport will have additional rescue vessels in the area, with support from crews and vessels from Raby Bay, Jacobs Well, Coast Guard and Currumbin.
🛟 Heading offshore?
Make sure you log on with Seaway Tower before heading out and let someone know your plans. VHF CH73 or Phone 07 5591 2948
Please slow down, keep a proper lookout, maintain a safe distance from restricted areas and enjoy the Pacific Airshow safely.
Stay safe on the water — and remember, we’re here if you need us.
📞 VMR Southport: 07 5591 1300
📻 VHF Channel 73
See less

Gold Coast Wave Buoy Guide: What Are You Really Looking At?The Gold Coast wave buoy is one of the best tools for checkin...
14/08/2026

Gold Coast Wave Buoy Guide: What Are You Really Looking At?

The Gold Coast wave buoy is one of the best tools for checking the actual conditions offshore before you head out—but do you know what all the numbers mean?

Here’s an example from earlier today (12:30pm):

🌊 Significant Wave Height – 0.90m
This is the average height of the highest one-third of waves. It’s the best indicator of the overall sea state—but remember, some waves will be much larger.

🌊 Maximum Wave Height – 1.55m
The biggest wave recorded during the sampling period. This reminds us that the largest waves can be significantly higher than the average.

⏱️ Peak Energy Period – 8 seconds
Arguably the most important number on the page. It measures the time between the most energetic waves.

• 4–7 seconds: Wind chop – steeper, closer together and often uncomfortable.
• 8–10 seconds: More organised swell and generally easier boating conditions.
• 12+ seconds: Long-period ocean swell carrying much more energy. Even with modest wave heights, these swells can create powerful breaking waves on bars and reefs.

🧭 Wave Direction – 110° (ESE)
Shows where the swell is coming from, helping you understand how it will affect local beaches, reefs and the Gold Coast Seaway.

🌡️ Sea Surface Temperature – 19.7°C
Useful information for fishers, divers and anyone planning time in the water.

💡 The takeaway?
Never judge conditions by wave height alone. Look at the wave height, maximum wave, period and direction together to build a complete picture of what you’ll encounter offshore.

Weblink: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/coasts-waterways/beach/monitoring/waves-sites/gold-coast

🚤 Pacific Airshow Weekend – Boating Safety Reminder ✈️The Pacific Airshow is on this weekend, and with thousands of peop...
13/08/2026

🚤 Pacific Airshow Weekend – Boating Safety Reminder ✈️

The Pacific Airshow is on this weekend, and with thousands of people expected on the Gold Coast waterways, we’re asking all boaties to take extra care and plan ahead.

🚫 DO NOT ENTER THE AIRBOX
All vessels must remain outside the marked exclusion/airbox area at all times. Please follow all signage, exclusion zones and directions from authorities on the water.

📻 Marine Rescue Southport will be monitoring VHF Channel 73 & 16 throughout the weekend.

📞 Need a marine assist?
For any marine assists over the weekend, contact VMR Southport on 07 5591 1300.

🚤 To help manage the expected increase in workload, Marine Rescue Southport will have additional rescue vessels in the area, with support from crews and vessels from Raby Bay, Jacobs Well, Coast Guard and Currumbin.

🛟 Heading offshore?
Make sure you log on with Seaway Tower before heading out and let someone know your plans. VHF CH73 or Phone 07 5591 2948

Please slow down, keep a proper lookout, maintain a safe distance from restricted areas and enjoy the Pacific Airshow safely.

Stay safe on the water — and remember, we’re here if you need us.

📞 VMR Southport: 07 5591 1300
📻 VHF Channel 73

👉 Red Crew is on Watch This Weekend Red Crew is back on duty from 6:00pm Friday through to 6:00pm Saturday, ready to ass...
07/08/2026

👉 Red Crew is on Watch This Weekend

Red Crew is back on duty from 6:00pm Friday through to 6:00pm Saturday, ready to assist across the Broadwater, Seaway and offshore waters.

And Saturday is looking like a pretty good day to be on the water!

Saturday’s BoM marine forecast:
• Winds: Variable around 10 knots
• Seas: Below 1 metre
• Swell: Easterly around 1 metre
• Weather: Sunny

Good conditions usually mean more boats on the water, so while you’re enjoying the day, keep your situational awareness switched on. Maintain a proper lookout, give other vessels plenty of room and remember that at speed, situations can develop very quickly.

Before heading out, check the weather, check your fuel, safety equipment and communications, and leave a trip plan with a family member or friend so someone knows where you’re going and when you expect to return. Log on with Seaway Tower if you’re heading offshore.

If you need assistance, call early. We’d much rather help with a small problem than wait until it becomes an emergency.

🚨 Emergency: Call 000 and/or make a MAYDAY on VHF Channel 16
📻 Non-Emergency Assistance: VMR Southport - 5591 1300 or VHF Channel 73

🔥 RED CREW HOT TIP — The One-Third Fuel Rule

A fuel gauge isn’t a passage plan. A simple habit is to think in thirds: one-third of your fuel to get there, one-third to get home, and one-third in reserve.

Wind, current, detours and changing sea conditions can all increase fuel consumption. That reserve could make all the difference when the unexpected happens.

Looks like a great Saturday to enjoy our beautiful Gold Coast waterways. Have fun, keep a good lookout and stay safe.

Red Crew

31/07/2026

Spinning the medivac chopper up to evacuate a critical patient from couran cove.


Working with and alongside some of Queensland’s best is an important role VMR perform.
31/07/2026

Working with and alongside some of Queensland’s best is an important role VMR perform.

The weather has certainly activated the GC boating community. It was always going to be a busy day with such great weath...
26/07/2026

The weather has certainly activated the GC boating community. It was always going to be a busy day with such great weather.
From new recruit induction to the 36 fathoms and small tinny towing in the Broadwater; Marine rescue are here to help.
Stay safe GC boaties

Address

Muriel Henchman Drive
Gold Coast, QLD
4217

Telephone

0755911300

Website

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